Bull Power-Q

Comment: I purchased the Power Q at the Bull Outdoor Products booth at the San Diego Home & Garden Show in 2004. The Power Q is the island with tile top, cultured stone base, side burner, storage drawer and door, fridge, and Angus 60,000 BTU 4-burner (31") gas grill. The salesman threw in an umbrella and heavy-duty custom island cover at no extra charge.

I was unfamiliar with this manufacturer, but chose it over the others at the show for its value, BTU power, and durable (16 gauge) stainless steel construction, better than what you would find at a home center or big box store.

After five years of ownership and frequent 4-season use, I am very happy with our purchase. The Angus grill in particular has held up extremely well. Though I really wanted cast iron cooking grids, the Bull cast iron grids are porcelain coated, which I don't prefer. So I chose the stainless steel grids which have a lifetime warranty. I am happy with this decision, as the grids have performed very well (nice grill marks) and are relatively easy to clean and maintain.

I have made two warranty claims, and Bull's service in both claims has been superb. The rotisserie motor didn't work the first time, and they promptly shipped a new one. And after four years, the cast brass burners began to fail. I had been removing them on a yearly basis to clean them, but noticed that they were beginning to sag. I often use high heat to preheat and clean the grill, and when searing steaks, but usually not for prolonged periods. However, I believe my frequent use of high heat began to take its toll, and when the burners failed to deliver even blue flames even after cleaning, I shipped them back for warranty replacement (they have a 20 year warranty). The grill works like new now and I will be more attentive to my use of high heat.

The only other parts I plan to replace after nearly five years are the flame tamers (corrosion) and knobs. The indicators on the original plastic knobs had been cleaned off, and the new ones seem more durable. I'll gladly pay for these replacements myself.

The side burner has a minor drawback: on a low or simmering flame, it can be blown out by a light breeze. On calm days or high flame it works fine. If the island is installed in a wind-sheltered area, or you use a windscreen of some kind, this should not be a problem.

I would easily give the Power Q five stars if the fridge were of the same high quality as the grill -- but it isn't. It has cold spots near the rear (beverages can freeze), and the gauge of the door is overly light (unlike the grill). As I result, I only use it to keep the grill prep.